1. **Preheat Your Oven**: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step always reminds me of my early baking days, waiting impatiently for the oven to reach the right temperature while sneaking tastes of batter.

2. **Prepare Your Baking Dish**: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. My grandmother always taught me that a well-prepared dish is half the battle won.

3. **Layer the Ingredients**: Pour both cans of sweetened condensed milk evenly into the greased dish. This forms the luscious base.

4. **Add Caramel and Pecans**: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the milk, and sprinkle half of the chopped pecans. This layer is the heart of our cake, much like the soulful conversations shared over a meal.

5. **Mix Cake Batter**: In a separate bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and vanilla extract until just combined. Carefully spread this mixture over the pecan and caramel layer.

6. **Bake the Cake**: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is set and an irresistible aroma fills your kitchen.

7. **Finish with Caramel and Pecans**: Once baked, let the cake cool slightly before drizzling the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkling the rest of the pecans on top. Add a pinch of sea salt for a sophisticated twist.